Foreshore improvement and honesty top priorities for incoming Cottesloe MLA

IMPROVING the foreshore and the honesty of politicians cropped up quickly in an unscientific poll of Cottesloe voters asked what they wanted from their new State MP ahead of a by-election to replace the retired Colin Barnett on March 17.

“A bit of progress on the foreshore on Cottesloe Beach, with some more development and progress, because we’re stuck in the Middle Ages at the moment,” voter Maggie Shea said.

During Mr Barnett’s 27 years as the local MP in the very safe Liberal seat, the condition of Cottesloe’s foreshore deteriorated as a result of 10 years of argument on beachfront building heights, little government and council spending, and a desire by some in the community to keep modernisation at bay.

Voter Sandy Dettman said any improvements should be modelled on the upgrade of Scarborough beachfront.

Cottesloe Council now has $955,000 to upgrade the beach’s main car park, after selling its depot to help pay for the work, but only several private sites are improved.

Voter Margaret Lawson wanted her next MP to have “honesty, and care about Cottesloe and its future”.

“It needs to be a local person who knows the area and is prepared to work for the entire area, including jobs, improving schools, working closely with the council, all to get the best outcomes,” Ron Johnston said.

However, voter Kevin Lawless wanted any successful Liberal candidate to keep an eye on the main game and “get rid of this Labor Government”.

Real estate agent Deborah Brady is from Peppermint Grove in the electorate, while outside, marketer Sandra Brewer currently lives in City Beach and Andres Timmermanis has a Floreat address, but a sixth nominee is unidentified

On Tuesday evening the Liberals will hold a pre-selection meeting when nominees have 20 minutes to speak before a question and answer session with selectors, who could then discuss a decision long into the night, before the candidate is confirmed at a State Council meeting the following Saturday.

While Ms Roberts appears to have the backing of Mr Barnett and party leader Mike Nahan, Mr Roberts is reported to have support from local branch members

Labor will not run a candidate, but there is expectation of independents when nominations close next Friday.